Naples bears witness to Italy’s cultural diversity. Its historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Angevin dynasty established Genoa as an influential cultural centre of Europe, resulting in churches like Gesu Nuovo that combine elements of Western architecture with those from earlier Greek and Arabic cultures.
There have been numerous films and television shows set entirely or partially in Naples, such as Vittorio De Sica’s It Started in Napoli; dramas like Il Camorrista; historical or costume movies, etc.
History
Naples pulsates with raw energy that reveals itself through soul-stirring art and panoramas, engaging conversations and inimitable elegance. Home of world-renowned collections of Pompeian frescoes (Museo Archeologico Nazionale) and Caravaggio masterpieces (Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte).
Naples was one of several independent duchies in Italy until the 1100s when it fell under Norman control, followed by brief periods as German-ruled principality and empire control by successive empires; its wealth sustained through producing luxurious goods like porcelain and silk for exportation.
Naples was also an important center of Italian literature; Boccaccio used Naples as his model for many of his works and, from here, the name for Italian was coined – “testo”, meaning speech in Naples being its source.
Naples fell into decline during the 18th century, though Napoleon restored it. Unfortunately, further turmoil ensued due to Fascism and two World Wars. Recover was further hindered by another eruption of Vesuvius.
Castel dell’Ovo is one of the city’s most striking landmarks, situated on Megaride island and housing its iconic tower. According to legend, its name derives from an egg that was hidden by Virgil in a dungeon cell and that eventually led to Maschio Angioino being banished.
Naples remains a magnet for holidaymakers who come for its seven miles of sandy beaches, which attract thousands each year seeking sun, sea and relaxation.
Attractions to Naples lie beyond its scenic coastline: its historic centre streets are covered in mosaics and boast ornate fountains and stairways dotted with ornate fountains; stately villas such as Neoclassical Villa Floridiana serve as museums open to the public, including Neoclassical Villa Floridiana which also hosts concerts by internationally-acclaimed performers; numerous galleries feature Pompeian paintings and sculptures while San Carlo Opera House hosts some of Italy’s top performers; plus it’s well known for its culinary offerings: pizza and pasta alongside mozzarella produced locally; as well as mozzarella made cheese from mozzarella produced locally produced mozzarella produced locally as well.
Art
As one of Europe’s oldest and cosmopolitan cities, Naples boasts a rich art history encompassing geography, chronology, genre and artistic technique. This vibrant culture preserves many outstanding examples from this history as it serves as a node within an active Mediterranean art network despite various transformations over the centuries.
Recurring encounters and unexpected convergences with other art forms and traditions have transformed Naples’ relationship to art history, offering new ways of considering art as cultural transmission and exchange. Its complexity and dynamic have invited us to imagine new histories that transcend chronology and genre – inviting us to engage with its dynamic relationship between its past and present, historical stratifications, and extraordinary setting on Bay of Naples.
Naples’ contemporary art scene is flourishing and welcoming of new approaches, especially within its old town area. There’s an ever-evolving group of working painters, ceramicists, sculptors and jewelers whose studio galleries can be found within half mile radius; many open their studios up for public visitations by appointment or free during Art Alive! open studio events three times every month as well as workshops or classes available to students of all ages.
Thomas Dane Gallery was established by British dealer Lia Rumma and occupies a beautiful Liberty-style building facing the seafront. Their inaugural show served as an insightful paean to Naples and its juxtaposed themes of death and rebirth.
Galleria Alfonso Artiaco was established in 1986 and is one of the foremost contemporary art spaces in southern Italy. Current exhibitions here, like those featuring Amy Sillman’s stunning sculptures, offer feasts of colour and form that radiate emotion.
Sanita neighbourhood, where organized crime is declining and locals are rediscovering their good side, is abuzz with energy. Check out Saint Gennaro church – an impressive piece of late Baroque architecture with stunning gold- and silver-plated busts of their patron saint!
Food
Foodies will find Naples to be a paradise. Although plagued with outmoded warnings of crime and chaos, this southern Italian city offers a cultural treasure trove. The cuisine here reflects this city’s long history of trade and migration between Greece, Roman, Spanish flavors with their own take on classic Mediterranean fare.
Tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and seafood are the cornerstones of an Italian menu that spans the spectrum – from pizza and pasta dishes to ragu and cacciatore – it all boils down to quality ingredients with simple preparation methods.
Naples offers an incredible range of flavors and desserts, such as the irresistible baba: an irresistibly yeast cake covered with rum syrup and served with custard or fresh berries.
Naples offers some delicious street foods, with pizza fritta being one of the most beloved offerings. Dough is stretched thin before filling it with mozzarella, ricotta cheese, salami or ham for this popular handheld meal – perfect as an afternoon snack or lunch while exploring its streets!
For something sweeter, Pasticceria Poppella offers the graffa pastry. Resembling something between a brioche and cream puff in texture and appearance, this irresistibly delicious treat cannot be passed up!
Cuoppo napoletano is another must-try, featuring various fried items like small fish and squid rings, battered vegetables and more rolled up in a paper cone for easy portability. Locals love this treat!
Are you in the mood for some wine and craft beer with their meal? Look no further than Naples, known for its impressive wine and craft beer selection. There are several breweries such as Mosto and Il Birraiuolo as well as bars serving local and international beers such as Frank Malone Pub & Beerstore and Kitebeer. Also, this city is famed for its delicious cuisine; here you will find many restaurants and taverns offering tasty meals at reasonable prices.
Nightlife
Naples comes alive at night, drawing visitors in with its alluring combination of history, art, food and that distinctive Southern Italian atmosphere. No matter your mood – be it dancing all night long or sipping cocktails under the stars – Naples has something for everyone in this vibrant city!
Once the sun goes down, fashionable bars lining Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South become after-dark hotspots with live music and cocktails that will get your dancing shoes on! Additionally, the Mercato neighborhood features lounge bars that make for lively nighttime experiences; and historic center has many charming piazzas that remain entertaining even after darkfall has set in.
If you’re feeling more sophisticated, head to Teatro San Carlo where you’ll be treated to everything from opera and ballet performances at this 18th-century theater UNESCO-listed building. Enjoy this unforgettable experience.
Bourbon Street Jazz Club offers the perfect venue to experience local jazz: its cozy atmosphere and live jam sessions make it a favorite among both musicians and non-musicians. Enjoy some wine and nibbles while relaxing in an elegant environment!
Burn by Rocky Patel offers one of Naples’ premier cigar experiences, boasting premium cigars, delectable cuisine and lively music that will leave you feeling like a VIP.
For an unforgettable nightlife experience, take Metro Line 2. Chiaia district is popular among Neapolitans for its trendy clubs and cocktail bars scattered throughout. Though more costly, Chiaia will ensure an unforgettable party night!
Bagnoli is an idyllic seaside location that comes alive during summer with beach clubs and discos, keeping open late so you can dance the night away on the sand with salty sea air in your hair – likely joined by friendly locals too!
Related Guides
- How to Get from Naples Airport (NAP) to City Centre — Airport guide
More Train Station Guides
- Napoli Centrale Station Guide — Train station guide